Global study estimates India had second highest chronic kidney disease cases in 2023

By Admin

10 Nov, 2025

A new global study published in The Lancet has revealed that India had the second-highest number of people suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD) in 2023, with an estimated 138 million cases, following China, which recorded 152 million. Conducted by researchers from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington, along with other institutions in the U.S. and the U.K., the study analyzed data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2023 project, covering 204 countries and territories between 1990 and 2023.

Global Impact and Regional Statistics
Chronic kidney disease was found to be the ninth-leading cause of death worldwide, claiming nearly 15 lakh (1.5 million) lives in 2023. The study highlighted that CKD prevalence was highest in North Africa and the Middle East (18%), followed by South Asia (16%), and over 15% in Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America. In India, most CKD patients were in the early stages of the disease, emphasizing the need for timely screening and risk assessment programmes.

A Hidden Driver of Cardiovascular Mortality
The report also found that CKD contributed to nearly 12% of all cardiovascular deaths globally, ranking as the seventh leading cause of heart-related mortality   ahead of diabetes and obesity. This underlines how CKD not only affects the kidneys but also plays a significant role in worsening heart health.

Key Risk Factors and Causes
The researchers identified 14 major risk factors responsible for the growing CKD burden. Diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity were the top three contributors to health loss. Additionally, dietary habits   such as low intake of fruits and vegetables and high sodium consumption   were found to significantly increase the risk of developing kidney disease.

Challenges and Policy Gaps
Despite being a major contributor to global mortality, CKD continues to receive less policy attention compared to other non-communicable diseases. Professor Theo Vos, senior author and Professor Emeritus at IHME, emphasized that CKD’s rapid rise in regions with health inequities demands urgent global health action and investment in prevention.

The Way Forward: Screening, Prevention, and Equitable Care
Since most CKD cases are detected in their early stages, regular screening, lifestyle management, and addressing key risk factors can play a crucial role in reducing disease progression. The study also stressed that limited access to dialysis and transplantation therapies globally makes prevention and early intervention even more vital.

Improving diagnostic access, ensuring affordable treatment, and developing public health strategies to curb CKD’s growth are essential steps forward. With India among the worst-affected nations, expanding community-based awareness programmes and healthcare infrastructure can significantly reduce kidney-related deaths and improve quality of life.

Conclusion
The findings of this study serve as a wake-up call for India and the world to prioritize kidney health as part of broader non-communicable disease control strategies. Investing in preventive healthcare, healthy dietary habits, and public awareness can help reverse the rising tide of CKD and safeguard millions from its life-threatening consequences.